Preparing the electrolyte
- General chemistry laboratory skills
Caution
From this point onwards, chemical safety risks are present. You are responsible for your own safety! Use proper PPE and do not perform anything you are not comfortable with. These instructions are presented as-is with no guarantee of your safety or assumed liability.
Tools
- 1 50 mL beaker
- 1 pair of chemical safety goggles
- 1 pair of nitrile gloves
- 1 scale
- 1 stir bar
- 1 stir plate
- 1 vial - min. 20 mL
- 1 weighing spatula
Chemicals
- 10.0 grams of 8% vinegar/acetic acid
- 3.0 grams of potassium acetate
- 6.6 grams of potassium iodide
- 2.8 grams of zinc chloride
Step 1: Put on your personal protective equipment (PPE)
Put on a pair of chemical safety goggles, a pair of nitrile gloves, wear close-toed shoes, and wear long pants/trousers! A lab coat is even better.
Step 2: Weigh out the chemicals
In a 50 mL beaker, using a scale and weighing spatula, weigh out the following chemicals according to their quantities listed above:
Step 3: Mix the electrolyte
Add a stir bar to the beaker and place it on a stir plate. Mix at room temperature until all salts are dissolved.
Step 4: Store the electrolyte in an air-tight container
Warning
Aqueous iodide is oxidized in solution by dissolved oxygen, turning the solution yellow/brown.
Transfer and store prepared electrolytes in a sealed vial to minimize exposure to ambient air.